Wind Chill

Last year during our January Camp out we got into a discussion about wind chill.Now as you know, or may not know, the wind chill temperature is how cold people and animals feel when outside. Windchill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold. As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. Therefore, the wind makes it FEEL much colder. If the temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind is blowing at 15 mph, the wind chill is

Our grand debate was what Wind chill effected. If it is all about heat loss, then would it not effect anything that produces heat? Well, I am not sure if we ever solved this global issue, but it was a great way to introduce the topic of wind chill to the Scouts and why it is an important part of winter activities, camping in particular. It is important to wear those layers that provide protection from the wind, not so much to keep the wind out as to keep the warmth in, but I suppose that is one and the same.

Setting camp, select sites out of the wind. In a stand of trees, behind big rocks. Avoid low areas and valleys, they become wind tunnels.

Understanding wind chill is important. It can help you in planning and preparing for your next winter adventure.

Rate this:

Share this:

Like this:

Related

Post navigation

2 thoughts on “Wind Chill”

Paul Siple, a Boy Scout, created the wind chill chart with another scientist. Siple was an Eagle Scout chosen to go on a Byrd expedition to Antarctica in 1928. He eventually went on six Antarctic expeditions as a geographer.One of Paul Siple’s snowshoes is in the museum at Worth Scout Ranch in Texas.Here are two good pages on Paul Siple:Eagle Scout Siple with Admiral Byrd in the AntarcticPaul Siple: Man of Cold and Wind

Welcome to the Scoutmaster Minute Blog

Vision: Build an online resource that helps Scouters deliver the promise of scouting.
Mission: The Scoutmaster minute blog will be the go to blog for scouting resources in helping Scouters deliver the promise of scouting. That will be accomplished by providing content that is relevant and timely using multi media, online training, and stories that demonstrate the adventure of scouting.

Get Your Solo Stove Here!

Tatogear

ClassB.com

Search

Search for:

Category Search

Follow the Scoutmaster Minute

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.